JPH11175295A - Network system, information processor and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the efficient distributed processing of a printer and an information processor connected to a network while efficiently utilizing the execution environment of the high-throughput information processor. SOLUTION: Concerning a network system provided with a client printer 40a and a high-throughput server device 20a connected through a communication line, the client printer 40a requests the data processing of data for printing to be printed by itself to the server device 20a on the network. When the server device 20a does not have a program for data processing required for itself, data processing is performed by receiving the required data processing program from the client printer 40a or any other device 40b on the network. After the processing, the client printer 40a receives the data for printing and prints them out.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus for performing data processing on data to be printed by another printer,
The present invention relates to a network system including the information processing device, and an information storage medium for controlling the information processing device.

[0002]

BACKGROUND ART Problems to be solved by the invention
Printers often have low throughput. For this reason, a printer driver of a computer often performs processing such as image processing, creates print data that can be printed by the printer, and causes the printer to print the data.

However, a computer is required to execute a program with high processing addition called image processing, so that the addition of a computer is large. For this reason, there is a problem that the image processing takes a long time on a computer having a low processing capability, and printing is not easily started.

[0004] The speed at which a computer transmits print data to a printer is affected by the printing speed of the printer. That is, the computer does not proceed to the next operation until all the data for printing is sent to the printer. Alternatively, there is a problem that the performance of the next operation is significantly reduced.

For example, a laser printer has a printing memory for one page, while an ink jet printer has only a printing memory for one line. For this reason, when printing with an inkjet printer, the computer is not easily released from the transmission process,
There was a problem that the following applications did not work well and the computer responded slowly.

[0006] Commands that can be processed by the printer are usually fixed. For this reason, the computer uses commands (commands for controlling printing, page commands, such as ESC / P, postscript, etc.) corresponding to the printer.
Must be prepared. Therefore, there is a problem that printing cannot be performed on a printer that does not support commands that can be prepared by the printer driver of the computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus having a sufficient data processing execution environment and having a high processing ability, on a network. An information processing apparatus that supports a function enhancement of a printer with low processing capability by performing data processing on data to be printed by another printer,
An object of the present invention is to provide an information storage medium for controlling the information processing apparatus, a printer connected to a network, and a network system for realizing efficient distributed processing of the information processing apparatus.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A network system according to the present invention provides a client printer for requesting data processing and an environment capable of executing data processing including at least one of image processing and processing related to a printer language requested by the client printer. A network system including a server device having: a client printer, wherein another client device connected to a network is a data processing capability inquiring unit for inquiring capability information relating to the data processing; Based on the capability information sent from another device connected to the network accordingly, determine the server device to request the data processing, and transmit the print data to be subjected to the data processing to the server device Depends on the data processing And includes a client processing means for requesting the transmission of data after the data processing to the server device, from said server device, the print control means for controlling so that printing data received after the data processing,
The server device, in response to an inquiry of the capability information on the data processing from the client printer, a capability information response unit that responds with the capability information on the data processing of the own device, and data of the print data received from the client printer. Data processing server means for performing processing and transmitting the data after the data processing to the client printer in response to a transmission request from the client printer.

Further, the information processing apparatus of the present invention is configured to be connectable to a plurality of devices including a printer for requesting data processing via a network, and includes at least one of image processing and processing related to a printer language requested by the printer. An information processing apparatus having an environment capable of executing data processing, wherein in response to an inquiry about capability information relating to the data processing from the printer, capability information responding means for responding the capability information relating to the data processing of its own device, and a printer Process the print data received from
Data processing server means for transmitting the data after the data processing to the client printer in response to a transmission request from the client printer. Note that the information processing apparatus can function as the server device in the network system.

The information storage medium of the present invention is configured to be connectable to a plurality of devices including a printer for requesting data processing via a network, and performs at least one of image processing and processing related to a printer language requested by the printer. An information storage medium storing information for controlling an information processing apparatus having an environment capable of executing data processing, the information processing medium comprising: Information for responding to the capability information relating to the data of the print data received from the printer, and, in response to a transmission request from the client printer, transmitting the data after the data processing to the client printer. Information.

Here, the capability information on data processing includes information on an environment in which data processing can be executed and the presence or absence of a program for executing data processing. The environment in which data processing can be executed refers to an environment including a memory capacity capable of executing a data processing program, an OS environment, and a processing capability of a CPU.

[0012] The image processing is defined as RGB of image data.
To CMYK, rendering processing to develop characters and lines into bitmaps, and color conversion processing to convert colors according to the printer model. What is image processing capability?
It includes the ability to convert the RGB into CMYK, the rendering process, and the color conversion process, and the ability to execute the program.

The capability relating to the image processing execution environment mainly refers to an environment for executing the image processing, and includes a memory capacity capable of executing an image processing program, an OS environment, and a CPU processing capability.

The processing related to the printer language includes at least one of a supported printer language and a printer language conversion program.

According to the present invention, the printer requests the information processing apparatus having the data processing execution environment to perform data processing including at least one of image processing of print data to be printed by the printer and processing relating to a printer language. be able to. For this reason, a printer having a low processing capacity in terms of hardware or a printer having no data processing execution environment necessary for processing is similar to a printer having a high processing capacity in hardware or a printer having a data processing execution environment. Can be used.

Further, according to the present invention, efficient distributed processing of a printer connected to a network and the information processing apparatus can be realized.

In the network system according to the present invention, the capability information responding means may include a data processing program information including information on the presence or absence of a data processing program for performing the data processing with respect to another device connected to the network. A data processing program information inquiring means for inquiring about the data processing program, and a virtual program including information on a data processing program executable by the own device based on data processing program information transmitted from another device connected to the network in response to the inquiry. Virtual program information determining means for determining information; and virtual program information responding means for responding to the inquiry about the capability information on the data processing from the client printer based on the virtual program information.

Here, the network system includes at least one other device, and the other device responds to an inquiry from the server device by transmitting its own data processing program information to the server device. It is preferable to include a processing program information response unit.

The capability information responding means of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention may further comprise a data processing program including information on the presence or absence of a data processing program for performing the data processing on another device connected to the network. A data processing program information inquiring means for inquiring information; and a virtual processing information including information of a data processing program executable by the own device based on data processing program information sent from another device connected to the network in response to the inquiry. Virtual program information deciding means for deciding program information; and virtual program information responding means for responding based on the virtual program information to an inquiry about capability information on the data processing from the client printer. .

The information of the data processing program that can be executed by the own device included in the virtual program information determined by the server device includes a data processing program that is not stored in the memory of the own device, but is included in other information on the network. Information of the data processing program stored in the memory of the device.

In other words, in response to an inquiry from the client printer about the capability information on the data processing, the server device needs another data processing program which the server device does not have. If it has it, it responds that it can be processed.

Therefore, the client printer can also request the server device for data processing that requires a data processing program not possessed by the server device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently utilize the execution environment of the server device.

Further, the data processing server means of the network system and the information processing apparatus of the present invention has another data processing program necessary for performing the data processing based on the data processing program information. Judging a device, making a transmission request of the data processing program to the other device, receiving the data processing program transmitted from the other device in response to the transmission request, and storing the data in its own memory It is characterized by including processing program receiving means.

Here, the other device stores the data processing program in its own memory,
And a means for transmitting the data processing program stored in its own memory to the server device.

When the data processing requested by the client printer requires a data processing program that the server device does not have, the server device receives the data processing program from another device device that has the data processing program. To perform data processing. Therefore, it is not necessary to have a data processing program required for data processing in its own memory. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently utilize the execution environment of the server device. In addition, the network itself can efficiently share the processing without changing the capability of the device itself in terms of hardware. Further, in the present invention, the data processing program information includes version information of the data processing program, and the data processing program receiving unit transmits another device having a necessary data processing program based on the version information. And transmitting a request for transmission of the data processing program to the other device.

In recent years, the same type of program often has a plurality of versions, and commands and the like are often different for each version. According to the present invention,
Version-aware data processing becomes possible.

The data processing program receiving means of the network system and the information processing apparatus of the present invention has a data processing program of version information indicating that the data processing program is the latest when there are a plurality of data processing programs of the same type. A transmission request to the device.

According to the present invention, data processing can be performed using the latest version of the data processing program.

In the present invention, the server device or the information processing apparatus stores the data processing program in its own memory in advance, and the data processing server means stores the data processing program stored in its own memory. Data processing of the printing data is performed using a processing program.

When the server device has a data processing program necessary for data processing, data processing is performed using the program. According to the present invention, the server device can quickly perform data processing.

The data processing program receiving means of the network system and the information processing apparatus of the present invention may be arranged such that, when the same type of data processing program is stored in its own memory, the version information of another device is more recent. Is transmitted only to the other device.

In some cases, the server device itself has a necessary data processing program. According to the present invention, even in such a case, data processing can be performed using the latest version of the data processing program.

Further, the information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a data processing capability inquiry means for inquiring other devices connected to the network about capability information relating to the data processing, and connecting to the network in response to the inquiry about the capability information. The server device that requests the data processing is determined based on the capability information sent from the other device, and the print data to be subjected to the data processing is transmitted to the server device to request the data processing. And client processing means for requesting the server device to transmit the data after the data processing, and print control means for controlling to receive and print the data after the data processing from the server device. And

According to the present invention, the information processing device can behave as a client printer as needed.

Further, the client processing means of the network system or the information processing apparatus of the present invention transmits device information of its own device to the server device, and the data processing server means transmits the device information to the device information received from the client printer. The data processing program for performing data processing of print data is determined based on the data processing program.

The device information is information for specifying a device, for example, a printer ID or the like. Image processing such as rendering processing and color conversion processing differs for each printer device. Therefore, the server device that has been requested to perform processing can specify a data processing program for performing image processing suitable for the client printer based on the device information.

In general, a printer command that can be processed is determined for each printer. Therefore, the server device on the side requested to process is determined by the device information.
A data processing program for performing a process related to a printer language suitable for a client printer can be specified.

The client printer or information processing device of the network system of the present invention stores the data processing program in its own memory in advance, and the client processing means stores the print data and its own memory. Sending a data processing program stored in the server device to the server device to perform a processing request, wherein the data processing server means performs data processing of print data using the data processing program received from the client printer. Features.

Since the server device receives a data processing request from a plurality of printers, if the server device has a data processing program corresponding to each printer, the server will have a huge amount of data processing corresponding to all devices. It is necessary to have a program, and the memory efficiency is low.

Therefore, as in the present invention, if the client requesting the processing owns the most suitable image processing program for itself and passes the data and the image processing program together to make the processing request, the memory efficiency is reduced. Can be improved.

The data processing program transmitted from the client printer or the information processing apparatus to the server device in the network system according to the present invention includes at least a data processing program for performing image processing.

Image processing such as rendering processing and color conversion processing differs for each printer device. Therefore, if the server requested to perform processing has an image data processing program, the server needs to have an enormous amount of image processing programs corresponding to all devices, and the memory efficiency is low.

Therefore, the memory efficiency is better when the client requesting the processing owns the image processing program most suitable for the own apparatus and sends the data and the image processing program together to request the processing.

In the network system or the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the capability information on the data processing includes version information of the data processing program, and the client processing means stores the data processing program stored in its own memory. When the server device has a data processing program of the same type as the above, only when the version information of the data processing program stored in its own memory indicates that the version information is newer, the data processing program is stored in the previous server device. Is transmitted.

Normally, the data processing program built in the printer is often old, so check the version information,
It is preferable to send only when the built-in printer is new.

According to the present invention, the server can perform processing with the latest version of the data processing program without receiving the old data processing program.

The data processing program information inquiring means of the network system or the information processing apparatus of the present invention, when the own device is connected to the network, when a new device is connected to the network, When at least one of the inquiries is made, an inquiry about the data processing program information is made to another device connected to the network.

When the printer is connected to a network, by making an inquiry, virtual printer information can be promptly presented to the computer. When a new device is connected to the network,
By making an inquiry, it is possible to present virtual printer information incorporating the capabilities of the new device. When there is an inquiry about the capability information from the computer, it is possible to always present the latest virtual printer information by making an inquiry.

Further, in the present invention, the print data includes image data or image data and a print command.

The image data refers to data representing the content of an image displayed on a display or the like, and includes text data. This includes data on which image processing such as conversion from RGB to CMYK, rendering processing, and color conversion has not been performed, or data on which some or all of the processing has been performed.

In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the capability information on the data processing includes version information of the data processing program, and the client processing means stores the same type of data as the data processing program stored in its own memory. When the server device has the processing program, transmitting the data processing program to the server device only when the version information of the data processing program stored in the memory of the own device indicates that the version information is newer. It is characterized by.

[0053]

Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) First Embodiment This embodiment is characterized in that an information processing apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a server device) having a sufficient processing ability and having a sufficient data processing execution environment is provided with other devices on a network. Printers (hereinafter referred to as client printers) perform data processing on data to be printed, thereby supporting functional enhancement of printers with low processing capabilities, and efficiently distributing the client printers and server devices connected to a network. The point is to realize.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a schematic configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a network system to which the printer is connected.

As shown in FIG. 1, a network system 10 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of servers 20 a and 20 b and a plurality of printers 40 a and 40
are connected. Some printers, such as 40d, are directly connected to the server 20b. The printer 40 can be added to the communication line 12 or the server 20 as necessary.

Further, a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as PC) 14 is connected to the network system 10 via a communication line 12.

The PC 14 can access an external network system, for example, the Internet via the communication line 12 and receive information such as data such as characters, still images, moving images, and voices. Furthermore, image data can be captured via various input / output media, or image data can be generated by itself.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the printer 40a connected to the network system includes at least one of image processing and processing related to a print language in another device 20a connected to the network. An inquiry 110 of capability information on data processing is performed. The server 20a that has received the inquiry transmits the other devices 20b, 40b, and 40c connected via the network.
, An inquiry 112 of data processing program information including information on the presence or absence of a data processing program for performing the data processing is performed. The other devices 20b, 40b, 40c,... Connected to the network respond to the inquiry about the data processing program information with their own data processing program information 114.

The server 20a determines virtual program information including information on a data processing program executable by itself, based on the data processing program information 114 sent from another device connected to the network.

Then, in response to the inquiry 110 about the capability information on the data processing from the printer 40a, the capability information 116 is returned based on the virtual program information.

More specifically, for example, even if the server 20a does not have the data processing program (P1) in its own memory, another device such as the printer 40b has the data processing program (P1). Then, the device returns the capability information 116 indicating that the own device can execute the data processing program (P1).

When the printer 40a receives the capability information 116 based on the virtual program information and determines that the data processing request is possible, as shown in FIG. Data 1
20 and the device information of its own device to the server 20a to request data processing. The device information of the own device is, for example, a printer ID or the like, and is used to determine a printer model for performing data processing according to the printer model on the server device side.

Assuming that the data processing is processing using the data processing program (P1), the server 20a receives the data processing program (P1) 124 from the printer 40b and executes the data processing program (P1). Using the program (P1), the print data 12
0 data processing is performed. Then, the print data 122 after the data processing is transmitted to the printer 40a in response to a transmission request from the printer 40a. The printer 40a receives the converted print data 122 and performs print output.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus functioning as a client printer such as the printer 40a.

The client printer according to the present embodiment
A signal input / output unit 42 connected to the communication line 12;
And an arithmetic processing unit 41 configured using, for example, ESC
A program memory 48 in which a program for operating as a printer, such as a / P processing program, is stored;
Based on the print memory 50 for storing the print data 100 transmitted from the C14, the printer information storage unit 52 storing an ID for specifying the model number (model name) of the printer of the own device, And a printing unit 46 for performing actual printing.

The arithmetic processing section 41 operates based on the program stored in the program memory 48, and functions as a capability information inquiry section 70 and a client processing section 72.

The capability information inquiry unit 70 inquires of other devices connected to the network about capability information relating to data processing including at least one of image processing and processing relating to a printer language.

The client processing section 72 determines a server device to request the data processing based on the capability information sent from another device connected to the network in response to the inquiry about the capability information. Then, the print data to be subjected to the data processing and the device information of the own device are transmitted to the server device to request the data processing, and the server device is requested to transmit the print data after the data processing.

The print control unit 44 is formed to write the print data transmitted from the server device into the print memory 50 functioning as a buffer, and to control the print unit 46 to sequentially print out. ing.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus functioning as a server device such as the server 20b.

The server device of the present embodiment has a signal input / output unit 22 for transmitting and receiving data via the communication line 12.
And an arithmetic processing unit 24 configured using a CPU or the like, and a program memory 26 storing various operation programs.
And a processing data storage unit 28 for storing at least one of print data received from the client printer for data processing and processed print data, and data processing program information of another device connected to the network. And a data processing program loading memory 27 for receiving and storing the data processing program from another device on the network.

The program memory also stores a data processing program originally owned by the own device.

The data processing program information storage section 30 stores the data processing program information obtained from another device in association with another device. The data processing program information includes information on the presence / absence of the data processing program, version information of the data processing program, and ID which is device information for specifying a model of a printer supported by the program. Also stored are version information of the data processing program stored in the program memory 26, an ID which is device information for specifying a model of a printer corresponding to the program, and the like.

The ID, which is device information for specifying the type of printer corresponding to the program, is, for example, an image processing program, the device information of the printer suitable for printing the generated data, and the printer language conversion processing. If it is, it is device information of a printer device that can print with the print data including the generated printer command.

The arithmetic processing unit 24 operates based on an operation program and the like stored in a program memory 26,
It functions as the capability information response unit 32 and the data processing server unit 34.

The capability information responding unit 32 has a function of responding to the inquiry about the capability information relating to the data processing from the client printer, the capability information relating to the data processing of the own printer. , A virtual program information determining unit 37 and a virtual program information responding unit 38.

The data processing program information inquiry section 36 inquires of other devices connected to the network about data processing program information including information on the presence or absence of a data processing program for performing the data processing.

The virtual program information deciding section 37 includes information on a data processing program executable by itself, based on data processing program information sent from another device connected to the network in response to the inquiry. Determine virtual program information.

The virtual program information responding section 38 responds to the inquiry about the capability information on the data processing from the client printer based on the virtual program information.

The data processing server unit 34 has a function of performing data processing of print data received from a client printer, and transmitting the processed data to the client printer in response to a transmission request from the client printer. And includes a data processing program receiving unit 35.

The data processing program receiving section 35
Based on the received device information and the data processing program information stored in the data processing program information storage unit 30, another device on the network having a data processing program necessary for performing the data processing is determined. . Then, upon receiving the print data from the client printer, a request for transmission of the data processing program is made to the other device, and the data processing program transmitted from the other device in response to the transmission request is received. And store it in its own memory.

The data processing program receiving section 35
Based on the version information, another device having a necessary data processing program is determined, and a transmission request of the data processing program is made to the other device.

For example, when there are a plurality of data processing programs of the same type, a transmission request is made to another device having a data processing program of version information indicating the latest. In addition, when the same type of data processing program is stored in the program memory 26 of the own device, the data processing program receiving unit 35 transmits the other data only when the version information of the other device indicates that it is newer. A transmission request is made to the device.

Next, a more detailed operation example of the server device and the network system 10 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a more detailed operation example of the information processing apparatus (server device) and the network system 10 according to the present embodiment. 6, 7, and 8 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The flowcharts of FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 show the operation when the printer has both a function as a client printer and a function as a server device. Therefore, in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the operation in which the printer behaves as a client printer (FIG. 6, flow 1000, FIG. 6).
The flow 1100, the flow 1300 in FIG. 7, and the flow 1200 in FIG. 8) and the operation acting as a server device (FIG. 7)
(Flow 2000, flow 2100) and an operation as another device for providing a data processing program to the server device (flow 3000 in FIG. 7).

First, an operation example in which the server device determines the virtual program information and discloses it to the PC 14 will be described.

In FIG. 5, a server 20a serving as a server device has a CPU with a high processing capacity and a large memory capacity, and has an environment capable of executing image processing and data processing relating to a printer language. There is no processing program for processing.

(1) First, the capability information inquiry unit 70 of the printer 40a inquires of other devices on the network about capability information on data processing (step S104 in FIG. 6).

(2) The data processing program information inquiry section 36 of the server 20b which has received the inquiry from the printer 40a inquires of other devices on the network about the data processing program information. (FIG. 7
(S202 to S206) (3) The other device on the network that has received the inquiry responds to the server 20a with its own data processing program information. The server 20a acquires data processing program information from another device on the network, and stores it in the data processing program information storage unit 30 in association with each device (S208 in FIG. 7).

For example, if the printer 40b has an image processing program (P1) for performing image processing suitable for the printer 40a on print data, the data processing program information storage unit 30 stores 4
0b has an image processing program (P1) for performing image processing suitable for the printer 40a. "

(4) The virtual program information determining section 37 of the server 20a determines virtual program information based on the data processing program information. Then, based on the virtual program information, the capability information on data processing is returned to the printer 40a (S210, S21 in FIG. 7).
2).

(5) The printer 40a receiving the print data including the printer command from the PC 14
If it is determined that a request for data processing can be made to the server 20a based on the response of the capability information from the server 20a, the print data and the printer ID, which is the device information of the own device, are transmitted to the server 20a, and the data processing is requested. (S1 in FIG. 8)
22, S128).

(6) (7) The data processing receiving unit 35 of the server 20a that has received a data processing request from the printer 40a.
Determines the necessary data processing program (P1) and the device (here, the printer 40b) having P1 based on the device information of the printer and the data processing program information (D1). Here, the aircraft is P1
Therefore, the printer 40b sends a request for transmitting P1 to the printer 40b, receives P1 from the printer 40b, and stores it in its own memory (S236, S238 in FIG. 7).

The process of transmitting P1 by the printer 40b is shown in S230 and S232 of the flow 3000 in FIG.

When the own device has a necessary data processing program (P1), the version information is compared with the data processing program (P1) of another device, and The transmission request of the data processing program may be made only when the version information of the device is newer.

If there are a plurality of devices having the necessary data processing program (P1), the version information may be checked and the latest version may be adopted.

(8) (9) The data processing server unit 34 of the server 20b performs data processing of the print data received from the printer 40a by using P1,
The print data after the data processing is transmitted to the printer 40a in response to the transmission request of (a) in FIG.
2).

(10) The printer 40a, which has received the print data after the data processing from the server 20a, performs printout (S252 of the flow 1300 in FIG. 7).

According to the present embodiment, the server 20a having the data processing execution environment performs the virtual program indicating what data processing can be performed by itself using the data processing program of another device on the network. The information is disclosed to the printer 40a. Then, even if the server 20a itself does not have the data processing program itself, the server 20a acquires the data from another device and performs the processing as needed.
That is, it is possible to efficiently use each resource on the network irrespective of the media to which the resources, the data processing program and the execution environment belong.

(2) Second Embodiment The feature of this embodiment is that printer-related functions are improved by connecting the printer to a network. Such a function is such that a printer (hereinafter, referred to as a client printer), which receives a print instruction from a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a PC), performs conversion processing to print data suitable for the printer to another device (hereinafter, referred to as a server device) on a network. This is realized by making a request, receiving the converted data, and printing.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention and a network system to which the information processing apparatus is connected.

The device configuration in FIGS. 9 and 10 is basically the same as that in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In this embodiment, the printer 40a connected to the network system is connected to the other devices 20a, 20a connected to the network as shown in FIG.
b, 40b, 40c,..., an inquiry 140 of printer-related capability information including at least one of processing relating to a printer language and image processing. Other devices 20a, 20b, 40b connected to the network,
40c... Respond to the printer 40a with the printer-related capability information 142 in response to the inquiry about the capability information.

The printer 40a responds to the inquiry about the capability information of the printer-related function by sending the capability information 14 transmitted from another device connected to the network.
Based on 2 above, it is determined whether there is another device that supports the function enhancement of the own device, and the virtual printer information of the own device is determined. Then, in response to a request from the PC 14, the virtual printer information 144 is disclosed.

The PC 14 stores the virtual printer information 144
Then, when it is determined that printing is possible, as shown in FIG. 10, the printing data 100 including the printer command created by the printer driver of the own device is transmitted to the printer 40a. Upon receiving the print data 100, the printer 40a converts the received print data 100 from the plurality of printers 40 and the server 20 into print data 102 suitable for its own printer. To determine. For example, server 20a
Is determined as the server device, the printer 40a transmits the printing data 100 to the server 20a and requests a conversion process. Upon receiving the printing data 100, the server 20a performs a conversion process. Then, in response to the transmission request from the printer 40a, the server 20a transmits the converted print data 102 to the printer 40a. The printer 40a receives the converted print data 102 and performs print output.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus functioning as a client printer such as the printer 40a. 11, portions having the same functions as those of the server device of FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The client printer according to the present embodiment
A signal input / output unit 42 connected to the communication line 12;
And the like, a calculation processing unit 41, a program memory 48, a printing memory 50, a printer information storage unit 52, a capability information storage unit 62, and a printing unit 46.

The capability information storage unit 62 stores a capability including at least one of a memory capacity of another device on the network, a process related to a printer language, image processing, and an image processing execution environment.

The arithmetic processing section 41 operates based on a program stored in the program memory 48, and functions as a capability information inquiry section 70, a client processing section 72, and a print control section 44. The capability information inquiry unit 70
For other devices connected to the network,
It has a function of inquiring capability information of a capability including at least one of a memory capacity, a process related to a printer language, image processing, and an image processing execution environment. Then, the capability information from another device in response to the inquiry is stored in the capability information storage unit 62 in association with the other device. The inquiry is made when the own device is connected to a network or when a new device is connected to the network.

In the present embodiment, the capability information inquiry unit 70 inquires of other printers on the network about capability information relating to a printer-related function including at least one of processing relating to a printer language and image processing. The storage unit 62 stores capability information on the printer-related functions.

The client processing section 72 includes a virtual printer print control section 44 information determination section 72, a virtual printer information disclosure section 74, a processing request section 76, and a transmission request section 78.

The virtual printer information deciding section 72 is based on the capability information sent from another device connected to the network in response to the inquiry about the capability information, and provides another function for supporting the function enhancement of the own device. It is determined whether there is a device, and the virtual printer information of its own device is determined.

The virtual printer information disclosure unit 76 discloses the virtual printer information 144 in response to a request from the PC 14.

When the print request of the print data received from the PC 14 exceeds the original processing brain power of the own device, the processing request unit 76 performs processing based on the capability information stored in the capability information storage unit 62. The server device that transmits the received print data is determined. Then, the print data and the device information of its own device are transmitted to the server device in real time, and a given process is requested. In the present embodiment, the given process is a conversion process for converting the print data received from the PC 14 into print data suitable for the own device. For this reason, the processing request unit 76 determines a server device for performing a conversion process for converting the data into print data suitable for the own device based on the capability information on the printer-related function and the print data received from the PC 14. I do.

The transmission request unit 78 requests the server device to transmit the processed print data.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus functioning as a server device such as the server 20a. 12, parts having the same functions as those of the server device of FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The server device of the present embodiment has a signal input / output unit 22 for transmitting and receiving data via the communication line 12.
And an arithmetic processing unit 24 configured using a CPU or the like, and a program memory 26 storing various operation programs.
, A processing data storage unit 28, and a data processing program information storage unit 30.

In the present embodiment, the processing data storage unit 28 stores at least one of the printing data requested to be converted by the client printer and the processed printing data.

The program memory 26 also stores a program for performing data conversion processing such as processing relating to a printer language and image processing on print data requested to be subjected to data conversion processing.

The arithmetic processing section 24 operates based on an operation program and the like stored in the program memory 26,
It functions as the capability information response unit 32 and the data processing server unit 34.

In the present embodiment, the capability information responding unit 32 responds to the client printer with capability information of a printer-related function including at least one of processing related to a printer language and image processing. The capability information of the printer-related functions is, for example, information on the presence or absence of a program for performing image processing and processing related to a printer language, version information, and the like.

In this embodiment, the data processing server unit 3
The data processing program information storage unit 3 stores the print data received from the client printer based on the print data and device information of the printer.
The program used for the conversion process is determined with reference to 0.
Then, a conversion process to print data is performed using the corresponding program stored in the program memory 26 of the own device.

Next, a more detailed operation example of the printer and network system 10 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a more detailed operation example of the information processing apparatus and the network system 10 according to the present embodiment.

First, an operation example in which the client printer determines virtual printer information and discloses it to the PC 14 will be described.

In FIG. 13, it is assumed that the printer 40a serving as a client printer is, for example, an ESC / P printer as its own capability. In such a case, before connection to the network, it has only a function as an ESC / P printer. Therefore, the PC 14 is connected to the printer 40a.
If it is desired to perform printing, it is necessary to transmit print data including a printer command that can be processed by the ESC / P printer.

However, by connecting the printer 40a to the network 10, it is possible to disclose to the PC 14 virtual printer information whose function has been improved. The operation of the printer 40a when determining and disclosing the virtual printer information is shown in the flowcharts 1000 and 1100 of FIG.

(1) First, the capability information inquiry section 70 of the printer 40a inquires of other devices on the network about capability information relating to the printer (FIG. 6).
Step S104).

(2) In response to the inquiry, the printer 40a acquires capability information from another device on the network (step S106 in FIG. 6). For example, in FIG. 5, the server 20a transmits PS-compatible print data
Processing program (P1) for converting to SC / P compatible print data and ESC / page for PS compatible print data
processing program (P
2) the capability information that the printer 40b has E
Capability information indicating that there is a processing program (P3) for converting SC / page compliant print data into ESC / P compliant print data. The printer 40c converts PCL compliant print data into ESC / page compliant print data. Capability information indicating that a processing program (P4) for converting the data into data for use is obtained.

(3) The virtual printer information determining unit 72 of the printer 40a determines whether there is another device that supports the function enhancement of its own device based on the capability information of the printer-related functions, and The virtual printer information is determined (Step S108 in FIG. 6). In FIG. 13, since the printer 40a is an ESC / P printer,
ESC / P for given printer command, printer language, etc.
If there is a processing program for converting the data into the corresponding print data, virtual printer information is determined that the printer can process the given printer command, printer language, and the like. Therefore, by the processing program (P1) and the processing program (P3), it is possible to determine the virtual printer information that the printer 40a can behave as a PS printer and an ESC / page printer.

(4) If there is an inquiry about the printer-related function capability information from the PC 14, the virtual printer information is disclosed to the PC 14 (step S112 in FIG. 6).
To S116).

In FIG. 14, the client printer P
An operation example when requesting the server device to convert the print data received from C14 and printing out the converted print data will be described.

The operation of the printer 40a when making the conversion request is shown in the flow 1200 of FIG. 8, and the operation of the server device receiving the conversion request is shown in 2000 of FIG.
The operation of printing the converted data is shown in the flow 130 of FIG.
0 is shown.

(1) The PC 14 determines a printer command for sending print data to the printer 40a based on the virtual printer information of the printer 40a and the function of its own printer driver.

(2) Then, print data including a printer command is created by the printer driver, and the printer 40a
Send to For example, assume that print data that can be printed by an ESC / page printer is transmitted.

(3) The printer 40a that has received the print data determines whether the received printer command is a command that can be directly printed by itself. Here, the printer 40a can print only when it receives print data corresponding to ESC / P.

(4) However, what is received is ESC / page
Since it is print data that can be printed by an e-printer, it cannot be printed directly. Therefore, the conversion processing request unit 76 determines a server device that requests conversion processing for converting ESC / page-compatible print data into print data that can be printed by an ESC / P printer based on the capability information. The print data received and the device information of the own device are transmitted to the device, and a conversion process is requested. Here, ES
The print data corresponding to the C / page is transferred to the printer 40b having a processing program (P3) for converting the print data corresponding to the ESC / P into a print data, and a conversion process is requested.
(Steps S118, S122, S128 in FIG. 8).

(5) The conversion processing unit 76 of the printer 40b, which is the server device requested to perform the conversion processing, processes the processing program (P) based on the print data sent from the printer 40a and the device information of the printer.
It is determined that the conversion process is to be performed using 3), and the conversion process for converting the received print data into print data that can be directly printed by the printer 40a is performed using the processing program (P3). Here, the print data corresponding to the ESC / page is converted into the print data corresponding to the ESC / P (steps S236 and S240 in FIG. 7).

(6) In response to the transmission request from the printer 40a (step S130 in FIG. 8), the conversion processing section 76 transmits the converted print data to the printer 40a (step S242 in FIG. 7). .

(7) The printer 40a that has received the print data after the conversion processing performs printing based on the print data (steps S250 and S252 in FIG. 7).

According to the present embodiment, the printer 40a
Discloses to the PC 14 virtual printer information indicating how the own device behaves on the network. This virtual printer information incorporates the capabilities of other devices connected to the network in addition to the capabilities of the device itself. For this reason, by connecting the printer to the network, it is possible to improve the functions beyond the original capability.

By requesting another server device connected to the network to perform processing, the client printer can realize a function that is higher than the capability of the client printer itself, and greatly improves the function without adding cost to the printer itself. Printer can be realized.

Further, the PC 14 can request a printer of improved capability for a printing process. For this reason, there is an effect that the restriction when the computer sends data for printing to the printer is reduced.

(3) Third Embodiment This embodiment is characterized in that a printer (hereinafter, referred to as a client printer) requesting data processing is connected to another device (hereinafter, referred to as a client printer) on a network having an image processing execution environment. (Referred to as a server device) to transmit the received print data and the image processing program of the own device to request image processing. That is, this is an example where the content of the data processing is image processing.

This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the client device requests the server device for image processing, in that the client printer transmits an image processing program together with print data.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show a schematic configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention and a network system to which the information processing apparatus is connected.

The device configuration in the present embodiment is basically the same as in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The client printer is the printer 40a. As shown in FIG. 15, the printer 40a includes other devices 20a and 20b connected to the network.
40b, 40c,... Is inquired about capability information regarding the image processing execution environment 130. Other devices 20a, 20b, 40b, 4 connected to the network
0c ... responds to the printer 40a with the capability information 132 relating to the image processing execution environment of its own device in response to the inquiry about the capability information.

The printer 40a performs image processing on the print data sent from the PC 14 based on the ability information sent from another device connected to the network in response to the inquiry about the ability information on the image processing execution environment. Determine a server device that has an executable environment.
It is assumed that the server device is the server 20a. Then, the virtual printer information 134 that allows the PC 14 to perform image processing suitable for its own printer is disclosed.

The PC 14 stores the virtual printer information 134
In response to this, when it is determined that image processing is possible on the printer 40a side, as shown in FIG. 16, printing data 104 including image data before image processing is transferred to the printer 40a.
Send to

The printer 40a that has received the print data 104 transfers the received print data and the image processing program 106 to the server 20a, and requests image processing.

Upon receiving the print data and the image processing program 106, the server 20a performs image processing of the print data using the image processing program, and transmits the processed print data 108 to the printer 40a. I do. The printer 40a receives the print data 108
Print output is performed based on.

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus functioning as a client printer such as the printer 40a. In FIG. 17, FIG.
The parts having the same functions as those of the functional block diagram of the client printer of FIG.

The client printer of this embodiment is
A signal input / output unit 42 connected to the communication line 12;
, A program memory 48, a printing memory 50, a printer information storage unit 52, a capability information storage unit 62, and a printing unit that performs actual printing based on printing data. 46, and an image processing program storage unit 60.

Here, the image processing program storage unit 6
0 stores an image processing program for performing image processing suitable for the device of the own device.

The arithmetic processing section 41 operates based on a program stored in the program memory 48, and functions as a capability information inquiry section 70, a client processing section 72, and a print control section 44.

In this embodiment, the capability information inquiring unit 70 inquires other devices on the network about capability information relating to the image processing execution environment, and the capability information storage unit 62 stores the capability information relating to the image processing execution environment. I remember.

The client processing section 72 includes a virtual printer information determination section 73, a virtual printer information disclosure section 74, a processing request section 76, and a transmission request section 78.

In this embodiment, the client printer requests image processing of the print data received from the PC 14. For this reason, the client processing unit 76
Is based on the capability information on the image processing execution environment,
A server device having a sufficient image processing execution environment for performing the image processing is determined. Then, the own device transfers the image processing program stored in the image processing program storage section 60 and the print data received from the PC 14 to the server device in real time, and requests image processing.

If the server device has an image processing program of the same type as the image processing program that the printer intends to transmit, the version information is checked and, for example, the version of the image processing program of the printer is checked. It may be configured to transmit only when the version information indicates new.

FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus functioning as a server device for image processing, such as the server 20a. In FIG. 18, portions having the same functions as those in the functional block diagram of the server device in FIG. 4 or FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The server device according to the present embodiment includes a signal input / output unit 22 for transmitting / receiving data via the communication line 12.
And an arithmetic processing unit 24 using a CPU or the like, a program memory 26, a processing data storage unit 28, a data processing program reception memory 27, and a data processing program information storage unit 30. You. The processing data storage unit 28 stores printing data for which an image processing request has been received and printing data after image processing.

The data processing program receiving memory 27 stores an image processing program transmitted from the client printer.

The arithmetic processing unit 24 includes the capability information responding unit 3
2 and a data processing server unit 34.

The capability information responding section 32 responds to the client printer with capability information on its own image processing execution environment in response to an inquiry about capability information on the image processing execution environment from the client printer.

The data processing server unit 34 performs image processing on the print data using the image processing program received from the client printer, and responds to a transmission request from the client printer to execute the print data after image processing. To the client printer.

Next, a more detailed operation example of the printer and network system 10 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG.
9 is a diagram for explaining a more detailed operation example of the information processing apparatus and the network system 10 of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 19, the client printer requests the server 20a to convert the print data received from the PC 14 and its own image processing program (P1) to the server 20a, and prints out the converted print data. An example will be described.

The printer 4 when requesting the image processing
Operation 0a is the flow 1000 of FIG. 6 and the flow 12 of FIG.
At 00, the operation of the server device that has received the image processing request request is shown in the flow 2000 of FIG.

(1) First, the capability information inquiry unit 70 of the printer 40a inquires of other devices on the network about capability information on the image processing execution environment (step S104 in FIG. 6).

(2) In response to the inquiry, the printer 40a acquires capability information from another device on the network (step S106 in FIG. 6). For example, in FIG. 5, the capability information that the server 20a has a sufficient image processing execution environment but does not have an image processing program (P1) for performing image processing suitable for the printer 40a is acquired.

(3) Then, print data including a printer command is created by the printer driver of the PC 14, and print data not subjected to image processing suitable for the printer 40a is transmitted to the printer 40a.

(3) The printer 40a that has received the print data determines whether the received print data can be directly printed (S118 in FIG. 8). Whether or not direct printing is possible is determined based on whether or not the printer command is a command that can be directly printed by the own device, whether or not image processing suitable for the own device has been performed. Here, the received print data cannot be directly printed because image processing suitable for the printer 40a has not been performed.

(4) The printer 40a has, in its own memory, an image processing program for performing image processing suitable for itself. However, in the case where it is determined that performing image processing on the own device causes an increase in processing time, or when the own device does not have an image processing execution environment,
Request image processing from a server device that has a sufficient image processing execution environment. That is, a server device is determined based on the capability information, and print data and an image processing program (P1) are transmitted to the server device (S1 in FIG. 8).
18, S122, S124, S126, S128).

(5) The data processing server unit 34 of the printer 40b, which is the server device requested to perform the image processing,
Image processing of the print data is performed using the image processing program (P1) received from the printer 40a (S234, S236, S2 of the flow 2000 in FIG. 7).
40).

(6) The data processing server unit 3
4 transmits the print data after image processing to the printer 40a in response to a transmission request from the printer 40a (step S130 in FIG. 8) (step S242 in FIG. 7).

(7) The printer 40a that has received the converted print data performs printing based on the print data (steps S250 and S2 in the flow 1300 in FIG. 7).
52).

According to the present embodiment, the PC 14 can request a printer having an improved image processing execution environment for a printing process. Therefore, the PC does not need to execute the image processing program with a high processing load. Therefore, even a printer having a low processing capability can start printing early without taking time for image processing.

The client printer transmits an image processing program suitable for its own device to another server device connected to the network, and requests execution of image processing. Memory efficiency is higher than when a processing program is provided.

In the present embodiment, the case where the content of the data processing is image processing has been described as an example, but the processing may be processing relating to a printer language. In this case, the client printer may be configured to transmit a processing program for converting to a printer language suitable for itself together with the print data to the server device and request processing.

It is needless to say that the above embodiments may be implemented independently or in combination.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the client printer and the server device are provided in the network system 10 has been described as an example. However, when there is a printer having a sufficiently high capability, this printer is provided. The system 10 may be configured to have a function as a server device.

If the printer is provided with not only the function as a client printer but also the function as a server device, the printer can behave as a client printer or a server device as required. The flowchart of the operation of the printer shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 is a flowchart showing the operation when the function as the client device and the function as the server device are both provided.

The network system of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the client printer according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a server device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing a detailed operation example of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed operation of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed operation of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed operation of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a client printer according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of a server device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a detailed operation example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing a detailed operation example of the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of a client printer according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of a server device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing a detailed operation example of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 network system 12 communication line 14 PC 20 server 22 signal input / output unit (server device) 24 arithmetic processing unit (server device) 26 program memory 28 processing data storage unit 27 data processing program reception memory 30 data processing program storage unit 32 capability Information response unit 34 Data processing server unit 35 Data processing program reception unit 36 Data processing program information inquiry unit 37 Virtual program information decision unit 38 Virtual program information response unit 40 Printer 41 Operation processing unit (client printer) 42 Signal input / output unit (Client (Printer) 44 Printing control unit 46 Printing unit 48 Program memory 50 Printing memory 52 Printer information storage unit 60 Image processing program storage unit 62 Performance information storage unit 70 Performance information inquiry 72 client processing unit 73 the virtual printer information determination unit 74 virtual printer information discloser 76 request block 78 transmits the request unit

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. A network system comprising: a client printer for requesting data processing; and a server device having an environment capable of executing data processing including at least one of image processing and processing related to a printer language requested by the client printer. A data processing capability inquiring unit for inquiring other devices connected to a network about capability information relating to the data processing; and a client device connected to the network in response to the inquiry about the capability information. Based on the transmitted capability information, determine a server device that requests the data processing, send print data to be subjected to the data processing to the server device, request the data processing, request the server device, Data after the data processing Client processing means for requesting transmission of data, and print control means for controlling to receive and print data after data processing from the server device, wherein the server device performs the data processing from the client printer. A capability information responding unit for responding to the inquiry about the capability information relating to the data processing of the own device, and performing data processing of the print data received from the client printer, and responding to a transmission request from the client printer. A data processing server for transmitting the data after the data processing to the client printer. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the capability information responding unit is configured to transmit, to another device connected to the network,
A data processing program information inquiry means for inquiring data processing program information including information on the presence or absence of a data processing program for performing the data processing; and a data processing transmitted from another device connected to a network in response to the inquiry. Virtual program information determining means for determining virtual program information including information on an executable data processing program of the own device based on the program information; and A network system, further comprising: virtual program information responding means for responding based on the program information. 3. The data processing server according to claim 2, wherein the data processing server determines another device on a network having a data processing program necessary for performing the data processing based on the data processing program information. A data processing program receiving means for requesting the other device to transmit the data processing program, receiving the data processing program transmitted from the other device in response to the transmission request, and storing the data processing program in its own memory A network system comprising: 4. The data processing program information according to claim 3, wherein the data processing program information includes version information of the data processing program, and the data processing program receiving unit performs necessary data processing based on the version information. A network system comprising: determining another device having a program; and requesting the other device to transmit the data processing program. 5. The data processing program receiving unit according to claim 4, wherein the data processing program receiving unit is configured to transmit a plurality of data processing programs of the same type to another device having a data processing program of version information indicating the latest. And making a transmission request. 6. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the server device stores the data processing program in its own memory in advance, and the data processing server unit is stored in its own memory. A data processing program for performing data processing on the print data. 7. The data processing program receiving means according to claim 6, wherein the same type of data processing program is stored in its own memory, indicating that the version information of another device is newer. A network system, wherein a transmission request is made to the other device only in the case. 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the client processing unit transmits device information of its own device to the server device, and the data processing server unit receives the device information received from the client printer. A network system for determining the data processing program for performing data processing of print data based on the data processing program. 9. The client printer according to claim 1, wherein the client printer stores the data processing program in a memory of its own device in advance, and the client processing unit stores the print data and its own data. A data processing program stored in a memory is transmitted to the server device to perform a processing request, and the data processing server unit performs data processing of print data using the data processing program received from the client printer. A network system characterized by the following. 10. The network system according to claim 9, wherein the data processing program transmitted by the client printer to the server device includes at least a data processing program for performing image processing. 11. The data processing program according to claim 9, wherein the capability information on the data processing includes version information of the data processing program, and the client processing unit stores the data processing program stored in a memory of the own device. When the server device has a data processing program of the same type as the above, only when the version information of the data processing program stored in its own memory indicates that it is newer, the data processing program is stored in the server device. A network system for transmitting a message. 12. The data processing program information inquiry means according to claim 1, wherein the data processing program information inquiry means is connected to a network, when a new device is connected to the network, A network system, wherein at least one of the cases where the inquiry about the capability information is made, the inquiry about the data processing program information is made to another device connected to the network. 13. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the print data includes image data or image data and a print command. 14. A device which is connectable to a plurality of devices including a printer for requesting data processing via a network,
An information processing apparatus having an environment capable of executing data processing including at least one of image processing and processing related to a printer language requested by a printer, comprising: A capability information responding unit that responds to the capability information on the data processing of the machine, and processes the data of the print data received from the printer, and in response to a transmission request from the client printer, the data after the data processing An information processing apparatus, comprising: a data processing server unit for transmitting to a client printer. 15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the capability information responding unit is configured to:
A data processing program information inquiry means for inquiring data processing program information including information on the presence or absence of a data processing program for performing the data processing; and a data processing transmitted from another device connected to a network in response to the inquiry. Virtual program information determining means for determining virtual program information including information on an executable data processing program of the own device based on the program information; and An information processing apparatus, further comprising a virtual program information responding unit that responds based on program information. 16. The data processing server according to claim 14, wherein the data processing server means has a data processing program necessary for performing the data processing based on the data processing program information. Judge the device, make a transmission request of the data processing program to the other device, receive the data processing program transmitted from the other device in response to the transmission request, and store it in its own memory. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a data processing program receiving unit that executes the processing. 17. The data processing program information according to claim 15, wherein the data processing program information includes version information of the data processing program, and the data processing program receiving unit performs necessary data processing based on the version information. An information processing apparatus comprising: determining another device having a program; and requesting the other device to transmit the data processing program. 18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the data processing program receiving means is provided for a device having a version information data processing program indicating that the data processing program is the latest when there are a plurality of data processing programs of the same type. And making a transmission request. 19. The data processing program according to claim 14, wherein said data processing program is stored in a memory of its own device in advance, and said data processing server means is stored in said memory of its own device. An information processing apparatus for performing data processing of the print data using a computer. 20. The data processing program receiving means according to claim 19, wherein the same type of data processing program is stored in its own memory, indicating that the version information of the other device is newer. An information processing apparatus, wherein a transmission request is made to the other device only in a case. 21. The data processing server according to claim 14, wherein the data processing server includes:
An information processing apparatus for determining the data processing program for performing data processing of print data. 22. An information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said data processing server means performs data processing of print data using said data processing program received from said printer. . 23. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the data processing program received from the printer includes at least a data processing program for performing image processing. 24. A data processing capability inquiring unit according to claim 14, further comprising: a data processing capability inquiring unit that inquires other devices connected to a network about capability information relating to the data processing; Based on the capability information sent from another device connected to the network, a server device that requests the data processing is determined, and the print data to be subjected to the data processing is transmitted to the server device to transmit the data. Client processing means for requesting processing and requesting the server device to transmit the data after the data processing; and print control means for controlling to receive and print the data after the data processing from the server device. An information processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 25. The data processing program according to claim 24, wherein the capability information on the data processing includes version information of the data processing program, and the client processing unit performs the same type of data processing as the data processing program stored in its own memory. When the program is included in the server device, only when the version information of the data processing program stored in the memory of the own device indicates that the version information is newer, transmitting the data processing program to the server device. Characteristic information processing device. 26. The data processing program information inquiring means according to claim 14, wherein the data processing program information inquiring means is connected to a network, when a new device is connected to the network, An information processing apparatus, wherein, in at least one case when there is an inquiry about capability information, an inquiry about the data processing program information is made to another device connected to the network. 27. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the print data includes image data or image data and a print command. 28. A device which is connectable to a plurality of devices including a printer for requesting data processing via a network,
An information storage medium storing information for controlling an information processing apparatus having an environment capable of executing data processing including at least one of image processing requested by a printer and processing related to a printer language, the information storage medium including: In response to an inquiry about the capability information on data processing, information for responding to the capability information on the data processing of the own device and data processing of the print data received from the printer are performed. And information for transmitting the data after the data processing to the client printer.